Preservationists look to improve Franklin's Civil War park

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) - Preservationists are working to spruce up a newly formed Civil War park in Franklin before the 150th anniversary of the battle that was fought there.

Jim Lighthizer, who is president of the Civil War Trust, said told The Tennessean that preservationists are trying to raise $120,000 to rebuild a cotton gin that once stood on a spot where some of the bloodiest fighting took place on Nov. 30, 1864.

In addition, supporters hope to tear down a restaurant and strip mall and combine that property with others to create a green space in time for the 150th anniversary of the battle.

Lighthizer said the latest purchase for the expanding park came last year.

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